Yesterday, I did something I’ve never done before. I went to the cinema in the afternoon, on my own. At least I can’t remember having done this before, but now a vague memory is whispering that this is not true and that many years ago, when I lived in Mainz in Germany, I fled a … More Alcarràs
Months and years of hard work and hope, flamed and scattered in post-exam joy. Dreams of a long summer whipped up in the park. In a matter of seconds, probably. Most of it is science: hydrogen and chromosomes; sclera and retina; by the anode; velocity; mitosis. Decimals, Dates, Formulae. Headings highlighted and thereby promoted. Words … More An Education
It’s hard to socially distance with a stranger on a narrowboat, but we cannot resist the invitation. These are real Oxford Gyptians on a real canal that curves into a backwater of the real River Thames. … More Real Gyptians
Right next to the bar is the shop. It sells all the usual staples, like daily bread and cheap local wine, hunks of cheese and carefully cured meats. Great wedges of watermelon are piled high in the fridge, dwarfing imperfect red tomatoes of all shapes and sizes. In charge of it all is a super … More The Shop
Occupying prime position on one side of the roundabout, about which all traffic to Thermisia village comes and goes, is the café-bar. It takes the unofficial, unassuming, low-lying role of the watchtower. Neatly aligned chairs occupy the narrow strip of pavement, where men sit with matching glasses of ouzo and water. Friends buzz up on … More The Bar
Nelly tells me that Nikos (her son, who fishes) caught them. They drape over a high metal bar (like the top of an old-fashioned swing) under the burning sun. Yiannis (Nelly’s other son) elaborates: they must hang to dry for about 30 hours before they are ready to grill. Nikos will do it simply with … More A bit about Makis
I’m running with a dog which isn’t mine, but somehow she seems connected. She slows when I slow; she speeds up when I do; when I turn my face to get the measure of her, she shifts hers to match. Instantly. Dogs scare me. Ever since a German Shepherd chased me with fierce blue eyes … More Heartskipping run with a dog
This is Ana Luna. Her character is as warm as the bread she bakes, and her heart is as full as the moon will be tonight (27th July). She sells her pan from behind a small counter at number 37, but photos of her bakery at the back are offered for free. Ana lives two doors … More Ana Luna
Sun, sea, sand – right on your retro red (or green ice or mustard) doorstep. Somehow it works out that our teenaged boys get the cherry red vintage caravan while the rest of us get the (very nice) mobile home. We girls gush over their cute-fruit cushions, while the boys chuck bags on beds to claim … More Sun, Sea, Sand – Camping Miramar
A perilously narrow road wraps its way tightly round steep mountain curves. Our car breathes with relief at every turn taken, then we brace ourselves for the next one. Higher and deeper inland we go, into the countryside behind Catalunya’s Costa Daurada. It’s a beautiful drive on this hot summer’s day. But it’s (Spanish) lunchtime … More No Pizza in Tivissa
Have Paprika, Will Travel 